Owen kissed her gently. “I’m glad you did. It gets a little quiet when my apprentice isn’t here.”
A blush skimmed her cheeks. “My glassblowing technique leaves a lot to be desired, but I enjoy helping you.” She bit her bottom lip. “There’s something I want to tell you. I signed up for the trauma course Zac told me about.”
Owen’s eyes widened. “I thought you didn’t want to do it.”
“So did I but, since the since the shuttle bus accident, I’ve been thinking about it a lot. The accident made me realize how much I can help Zac and our community. I’ve spent years training to be a trauma nurse. If I don’t keep upskilling, I’m letting myself and my family down.”
Owen held her hands. “What about the caregivers’ outreach program? Can you do both?”
“I should be okay. Most of the trauma course can be done from home, so I don’t need to go far. When I need to travel, Zac’s offered to give me paid leave so I can still help with Granddad’s house expenses.”
“Does this mean you’re going back to nursing?”
Harper hesitated before answering. Even with the extra qualification, there weren’t many opportunities to use her skills in Sapphire Bay. For that, she’d have to move to another city. “I’m not sure. Right now, I want to focus on setting up the support group and getting through the course.”
Owen nodded, but Harper could tell something was worrying him.
“Do you think the trauma course is a good idea?” she asked him.
“You should do what makes you happy,” he said without answering her question.
Harper tilted her head, waiting for him to continue. When he didn’t, she tightened her hold on his hand. He’d tell her what was wrong when he was ready. “What have you been doing today?”
His eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’ve been experimenting. Look at this.” He led her across the room to a table that wasn’t there the last time she’d visited. “I wanted to capture the magic of the northern lights.”
Owen’s latest creation was a glass sculpture that shimmered with colors so vivid they were mesmerizing. It felt like a piece of the sky was caught in the glass.
“It’s incredible.” Harper marveled at the way the light played through the sculpture, creating a dance of colors that almost seemed alive. “How did you make the colors so fluid?”
His smile widened. “There are three layers of glass in the main part of the sculpture. Each layer has different colors and properties. When they’re combined, the glass takes on a personality of its own. I was thinking of making a series inspired by natural wonders. The northern lights are just the beginning."
Harper ran her fingertips over the smooth glass surface. “This will make an amazing photograph. Have you spoken to Emma about building a website for the studio?”
Owen nodded. “She’s also looking at ways I can use social media to promote the studio. I don’t know what ideas she’ll come up with, but we’ll talk about it the next time we meet.”
“It sounds exciting. We’re both stretching our comfort zones,” Harper murmured.
Owen placed his finger under her chin, and she lifted her eyes to his. “I’m worried about what the extra publicity will mean. But, as long as we’re stretching our comfort zones together, I don’t mind. When does the trauma course start?”
“Next week. If I need someone to test my new skills on, I’ll call you.”
Owen laughed. “You do that. As long as you don’t inject me with experimental drugs, I’m all yours.”
“That’s what I was hoping you’d say.” Harper grinned before checking her watch. “I need to leave. Are you still able to have dinner with us tonight?”
“I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll bring dessert.”
Harper gave him a big hug. “That’ll be lovely. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
As she pedaled toward her granddad’s house, Harper thought about the steps she was taking toward making a better life for herself and the community.
The feeling of purpose filled her with a quiet strength. Owen’s support and the projects they were both embarking on, felt like pieces of a puzzle fitting together, creating a brighter future for both of them.
Owen satacross from Harper and her grandfather at the small kitchen table. They’d just enjoyed a delicious meal together and their conversation flowed easily. Harper told them what was happening at the clinic and Owen talked about his latest glass pieces.
Benjamin listened intently, enjoying the stories they were sharing.
When they started talking about Harper’s upcoming birthday, she didn’t say a lot.
